Richard Bausch

Hello,

A few words, for you at the start. I know–we all know–that this is a terrible time in so many ways, but the very fact that you’re here makes powerful testimony already about your adventurous spirit and your courage. And remember that courage only exists in relation to fear, or anxiety. And the anxiety of facing into change, into new experience, is both natural and good. I believe it’s nature’s way of opening our eyes, of making us more alert. In any case, the courage required for this adventure is perfectly normal. And you have it or you wouldn’t be here.

When I moved here in 2012, I felt very much as I’ll bet many of you do. And so it’s a pleasure to talk about it now. It’s been almost nine years, and I’m still finding new things to appreciate about the intellectual and artistic vibrancy of this place.

As the awful pandemic recedes–and it will–I believe that here you’re going to find so many different ways to expand and grow into the person you want to be, so many possibilities to explore, all in this array of beautiful buildings housing excellent, committed, peerless teachers and professionals.

Colleagues. Soon to be your colleagues.

You’ve come to a truly great place of learning, full of people who ‘get it,’ as I have told friends from around the country and the world. A graceful haven for all the arts of civilization, of expression and science and vision, and every aspect of the human journey. In short, I think you’re going to love it here, and that you’ll carry into the world of accomplishment this experience you’ve just begun, as a very sweet memory for a lifetime. Welcome.